Britain, the Bible, and Balfour: Mandate for a Jewish State, 1530-1917

Britain's decision to support a Jewish "national home" in 1917 was influenced by its historical connection with the Hebrew Bible, which was freed from its christological premonition during political and theological crises in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century England. Britain, the Bible, and Balfour explores the development of Zionism as a peculiarly British phenomenon with roots in the English Reformation, arguing that it emerged from the religious and political battles over the Bible, Hebrew scripture, the monarchy, and national identity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Britain, the Bible, and Balfour delve into the intricate history of the concept of a distinct Jewish homeland, tracing its evolution over centuries in England. The author contends that Zionism, a unique political vision, has its roots in the English Reformation. The religious and political conflicts surrounding the Bible, the significance of Hebrew scripture, the monarchy, and national identity laid the foundation for the reclamation of a vision of the Jewish people as a unique community with a designated home. Zionism emerged from this context as a powerful movement advocating for the restoration of the land and the people as a divinely ordained religious and political project. However, as this volume illustrates, the realization of this idea would require nearly five hundred years to materialize. This volume offers a critical genealogical account, shedding light on the surprising origins of a revolutionary concept.

Britain, the Bible, and Balfour: Unpacking the Turbulent History of a Unique Jewish Home State

In 1917, when the opportunity arose to dismantle the Ottoman Empire, only Britain would have taken the decision to favor a Jewish "national home." This decision was deeply intertwined with the Hebrew Bible, as political and theological crises in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century England released the Old Testament from its predefined role as a christological premonition of the New Testament. The Bible, Britain, and Balfour explore the complex history of the idea of a unique Jewish homeland, shedding light on the development of Zionism.

The author argues that Zionism is a peculiarly British phenomenon with roots dating back to the English Reformation. The religious and political battles over the Bible, the role of Hebrew scripture, the monarchy, and national identity provided the fertile ground for the recovery of a vision of the Jewish people as a distinct community with a mandated home. Zionism emerged from this context as a powerful movement advocating for the return of the land and the people as a divinely ordained religious and political project.

However, it is important to note that the idea of Zionism is only explicable within the contextual events of early modern England. It took nearly five hundred years for this vision to become a geopolitical reality. This volume provides a critically important genealogical account, illuminating the fascinating history of how England became the unexpected progenitor of a revolutionary idea.

The author delves into the historical, religious, and political factors that shaped the development of Zionism in England. They explore the influence of the English Reformation on the idea of a Jewish homeland, the role of the Bible in shaping Jewish identity, and the political struggles over the monarchy and national identity. The book also examines the role of individuals such as William Balfour, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the State of Israel.

Through its comprehensive analysis, The Bible, Britain, and Balfour offers a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted history of Zionism. It sheds light on the historical roots of the idea of a Jewish homeland and its evolution over centuries. The book also highlights the significant contributions of individuals and movements that played a crucial role in shaping the political and religious landscape of the region.

In conclusion, The Bible, Britain, and Balfour is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history and development of Zionism. It provides a critical genealogical account of the idea of a unique Jewish home state and its evolution over centuries in England. The book offers a valuable insight into the historical, religious, and political factors that shaped the development of Zionism and its impact on the region.

Weight: 664g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498590754